We all know the benefits of installing solar power systems in one’s home but officials in some towns of the United States are concerned that solar panels could offend the neighbors. Hackensack is the latest New Jersey municipality to consider restricting the panels in front yards.

SunPower Corp. announced that it has completed the 3.8 megawatts solar power systems at various public water agencies and water treatment facilities in the state of California. In the systems in place, the facilities would be able to decrease their electricity costs.

In response to the US investigation of the supposed dumping by Chinese solar panel manufacturers, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that it would also start an investigation on US subsidies and policies regarding the renewable energy industry.

The solar power industry in the United States will still continue to get support from the government even after the debacle with Solyndra. Favorable government measures would still make solar power cost-competitive with other energy sources.

General Motors installed a Tracking Solar Tree at its Vehicle Operations Facility at Warren, Michigan. GM became the first auto manufacturer to utilize a solar tree, which can generate up to 30,000 kilowatt hours each year.

The United States Commerce Department said that it would start a probe on whether Chinese companies sell their solar panels in the country at unfair discounts as well as receive government subsidies illegally.

Facebook signed a deal with Cogenra Solar to install a cogeneration system in its head office located at Menlo Park, California. According to Cogenra, it would place photovoltaic solar panels on top of Facebook’s renovated fitness center.

SolarWorld installed solar power modules at Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which is located in Schenley Park. The installation can generate up to 125 kW from 250W Sunmodule solar panels that were placed on the roof and on the ground.